Home, a noun, is defined as, “the place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household.” It is a simple definition that we all can recite. But can it truly be kept in such a small box? Is it really that simple of an idea and so easily defined? There must be more to it, because it is something that we are all searching and longing for. It is more than a dwelling or structure, more than a small family unit.

We are all exiles who are searching for home. We long for that security, that hope and peace that home can bring us. We tend to set out on a journey on our own merits, to establish a home. We seek a better life, and strive for more. More money, more power, more influence, more facebook followers, more _____ (insert your more here). We look past what is right in front of us-that Jesus came to bring us home. We search to feel peace, but it is not a place or a thing; it is not tangible. Rather, it is about the condition of our hearts. It is a spiritual and emotional hunger that can only be satiated by Jesus. This is how we can feel whole and complete.

In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father went out to meet the son as he approached. He did not run out there to scold him, to question him or to say, “I told you so.” The father ran to him to welcome him home again! For the father knew the son was lost, and now was found. He was able to let go of the past, and was able to speak life into his son. That is what God wants for all of us. He wants us to be happy! We need to feel free and be who we were meant to be by the grace of God.

In this world, we let sin make a mess of our lives. Sin will mess up our mind, heart, soul, thinking and words. Sin makes us all broken people, and if we are unable to fix it, then we will continue to go on and break more things. Human nature says we need to fix things in our own way, and that is what makes us strong and capable. Jesus says to lean on Him.

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Jesus is enough. The work has already been done, for sin and death have been defeated. His promise still stands, and great is His faithfulness, for He never fails. Jesus came to bring us home and to embrace what it was to be fully human. He made it a point to be homeless so we knew home wasn’t here, but that only Jesus could take us home.

“I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (Revelation 21:3-4)

There is a better place waiting for all of us in Heaven. That is where home will be found. A home where we belong, where were can lay down all of our burdens, sin, past, and be free at last. This life is about redemption and not a standpoint of sin. Allow God to reveal, shape and mold you, and don’t settle for the ways of this world. Run, don’t walk, toward Jesus, for He is waiting with open arms. Here on Earth we will only see pockets of Heaven, where God is reminding us of what is to come, and not to settle on what is here and now. The best is yet to come!